Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:27

What does Matthew 24:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:27 means

Jesus dramatically describes the nature of His true coming: "For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man." This vivid metaphor emphasizes the sudden, undeniable, and universally visible nature of His return. Unlike deceptive, hidden manifestations, Christ's second coming will be an unmistakable global event, impossible to conceal or miss. It will be a public, glorious display of His power and sovereignty, visible to all, leaving no room for doubt or secret appearances.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because as in a thunderstorm the bright light coming from the east is seen even in the west; so will be the coming of the Son of man.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for as the lightning doth come forth from the east, and doth appear unto the west, so shall be also the presence of the Son of Man;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For as lightning cometh out of the east and appeareth even into the west: so shall also the cowling of the Son of man be.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For as the lightning goes forth from the east and shines to the west, so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Context

This verse presents a powerful and unmistakable image of Christ's true coming, contrasting it sharply with the hidden and localized claims of false Christs in verse 26. The imagery of lightning serves to establish the undeniable and universally visible nature of His return, setting the stage for an immediate, symbolic idiom that further emphasizes the certainty of His glorious appearing.

v.26If therefore they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the wilderness; go not forth: Behold, he is in the inner chambers; believe it not.

v.27This passage

v.28Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 3:4

    and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

  • Malachi 3:2

    But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

  • James 5:8

    Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

  • Luke 17:24

    for as the lightning, when it lighteneth out of the one part under the heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall the Son of man be in his day.

  • Job 38:35

    Canst thou send forth lightnings, that they may go, And say unto thee, Here we are?

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